From Dirt to...Dy-no-mite!

After much discussion, we (thankfully) decided to hire landscapers to do our back yard instead of Sean working on it. Don't get me wrong, the dirt and weeds had a certain rustic Colorado feel, but we were ready for a change. Enjoy the transformation... (*Warning: the "before" shots are pretty ugly*)


View from the front yard, with the first of the "big" equipment tackling our yard.

We had so much fun watching the various equipment. Couldn't ask for better free back-yard entertainment!

View from our back step. The Austrian Pine looks great!

It hides the unsightly utility boxes nicely.

We had them put a sort-of pea gravel at the back door for now since we plan to build a deck there next year. Can't wait for that!

Baby pine tree, thanks to a major score from Home Depot!

Next item on the list: window well covers

We replaced one of the ugly shrubs out front with another baby pine tree.

That should do it for this year!

Progress

We have been in the new house almost two weeks now and slowly things are coming together. There is still a ton of painting to do and the back yard to landscape, but at least the front yard looks nice! Lucky for us, that was included by the builder. Otherwise, we would still be living in a dirt pit.

There is a lot of activity going on in the new neighborhood, two new houses are going up on the street behind us and it is amazing how quickly they are taking shape! The boys and I enjoy watching the construction vehicles and the progress they are making daily. It will be fun to see the transformation over the next few years as there are another 170+ houses that will be built just West of us as the neighborhood expands. Next Summer, we will have the pool, clubhouse & playground to enjoy. I can't wait to take the boys!

We had the back yard fenced on Friday--yippee!! This was huge for us because we had been walking the dog several times a day out of necessity, something we were definitely not used to. Adding a double stroller to the mix was not fun. Oh, and did I mention it has been raining non-stop?

This is the only type of fence our HOA will allow...hopefully it will contain our crazy Macey! Getting used to the HOA thing will definitely take some time.

The side yard is actually where we have the most room. There is supposed to be another house built directly behind us and that person will have five yards converging on their lot. Glad we are on a corner lot!

Boys Only

We are trying to soak up every bit of backyard play time while we can before the days become too cold to play outside. Having that space definitely helps our little house seem larger! The boys played in the clubhouse together for the first time this week and Davis loved it. I think Carter enjoyed it, too!

Carter started Preschool this week and loves playing "kitchen". I think it's great! Maybe we will finally have someone in the family who can cook!

As you can see, I still can't quite get the hang of the video feature on our camera...

Davis is getting so good at standing by himself!

lovin' the warm weather

Good-bye cabin fever...hellooooooo Spring! We have been enjoying hanging out in the backyard since the weather has warmed up. Carter runs wild & Davis hangs out in the shade. With the addition of our new outdoor curtains around the pergola (thanks to my wonderful husband!), it is much more convenient to go outside with the baby. I have yet to plant any flowers, but our bushes and trees are starting to bud and bloom.

big boy!
Carter pausing for a picture with his brother

Sean also installed a new swing over the weekend. Carter LOVES it! He really chats it up while we push and push and push him. He did almost take out the dog this afternoon, but other than that it's really safe.

Pergola

Sean and his dad built us a pergola over the weekend. They did a great job! It makes the patio look so much nicer! Thanks, Grandpa Dan, for all of your help. And thanks to Grandma Pat for watching Carter so the guys could work outside!